ASW 19 crash at Ritzigeralp following stall during turn
On August 3, 1992, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 19 crashed at Ritzigeralp, Switzerland. The glider stalled and collided with the terrain during a turn in the alpine region. The pilot, who had limited recent flight experience, was fatally injured. The investigation confirmed that the glider was in good condition and weather conditions were favorable for gliding. Witnesses observed the glider's abrupt descent and impact with the slope.
- Ridge soaring flight: After aerotow departure from Münster and release near Ritzigeralp, the pilot was ridge soaring along the slope of the Goms valley.
- Limited recent experience: The pilot had relatively low overall and recent flight time, including limited hours on the ASW 19, despite prior mountain flying camps.
- Tight climbing turn to slope: While flying along the slope on a heading of about 45°, the pilot initiated and completed a 180° right turn and then entered a pronounced climbing turn of about 90° toward the slope at low height.
- Stall and wing drop: During the continued climb toward the slope, the glider suddenly rolled right toward the terrain and the nose dropped abruptly, consistent with an aerodynamic stall.
- Insufficient recovery time: The glider descended rapidly for about two seconds toward the slope, and the pilot was unable to regain normal flight before ground impact.
- Crash - fatal: The glider struck the slope near the Ritzigeralp almost nose-first and right wing first, broke apart after a half rotation, and the pilot was fatally injured.